The Secret Notebook by Julia Wild
When
Izzie Dean’s beloved nan, Molly Blackshaw, passes away, Izzie
returns to the Blackpool bungalow where she grew up, to say goodbye
once and for all. When Izzie’s homecoming reunites her with her
first love, Justin Swift, every emotion that Izzie has repressed
since the day he broke her heart comes rushing to the surface. But
then an unexpected discovery changes everything.
Between
the pages of the battered secret diary Molly kept during WWII, Izzie
discovers a story of love, heartbreak, and the incomparable hardship
of life in a world at war. Reading her grandmother’s words soon
puts her own story into perspective, and suddenly Izzie realises that
the only thing holding her back from happiness, might be herself. Now
she just has to convince Justin that they deserve a second chance at
forever…
Lies, deceit and sibling rivalry all play a part in this fascinating and emotionally charged dual-timeline novel.
When Izzie Dean finds an old diary belonging to her late grandmother, Molly Blackshaw, it shines a light on how her grandparents met and married during WWII. However, the notes expose an unexpected family secret. Meanwhile, everything Izzie thought she knew about her own past life and marriage to her late husband is shockingly exposed as lies, as the past comes back to haunt her.
Ms Wild has written an exceptionally well thought out novel highlighting the daily struggles people experienced during wartime; how social attitudes of the day impacted those who found themselves in unfortunate circumstances. Reading about Molly's life gave food for thought and highlighted the precariously balanced lives people had during difficult times.
Izzie's life, although sad in parts very much reflects current attitudes on how we handle and go about our everyday life whilst dealing with painful situations. Some sections of the contemporary narrative didn't hold my attention as well as the historical one however the final twist more than made up for it. Everyone loves a happy ending and this was more than satisfying.
Overall, fans who enjoy novels set during WWII and those who enjoy dual timeline romances will enjoy the hidden surprises within The Secret Notebook.
***arc
generously received courtesy of the publisher One More Chapter via
NetGalley***
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08RS6JBRJ/
Lancashire born, I moved to Bedfordshire in the late seventies,
married and started a family. I’m a past Hon Sec of the Romantic
Novelists’ Association, have been a member since 1993 when I joined
their New Writers’ Scheme as a probationer. That came about after
winning a week’s historical writing course on the strength of the
first chapter of my third Poldark-era romance. The tutor on the last
day loved the story and handed me details of the Romantic Novelists’
Association – she said I absolutely must join as they would be able
to help me towards publication.
Some four years
later my first published book, Dark Canvas, won the RNA’s New
Writer’s Award in 1997, the sixth, Illusions, won the RNA’s
Romance Prize in 2003.
After working in
the local library service for 18 years, during library cut-backs I
took the leap to become self-employed as a writer and worked on
releasing my backlist as eBooks for Kindle.
Most recently,
I’ve had the pleasure of working with amazing Charlotte Ledger when
she pulled me from the writing wilderness and have now signed a
three-book deal with One More Chapter.
www.facebook.com/authorjuliawild
Twitter:
@juliawildauthor
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Website: www.juliawildauthor.co.uk
